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The Newport Plain Talk

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Newport City School Board recognized as School Board of the Year

NASHVILLE– The Tennessee School Boards Association annually honors a school board for exemplary service. To be considered for this award, school boards must meet a range of criteria, including: be a TSBA Board of Distinction; develop, implement, and monitor policy; engage in long-range planning; promote quality education, including the effective use of social media; work with the legislature, city/county commissions, State Board of Education, community and staff; participate in board development activities, including Boardsmanship Award levels for each member; and maintain a positive relationship with the media. The 2026 School Board of the Year is the Newport City School Board of Education. Members of the Newport City School Board are: Chairwoman Jan BrooksLisa AskewSeth ButlerRobert LewisMickey PowersSuperintendent Dr. Justin Norton Some of the many accomplishments by the 2026 School Board of the Year include: The Board has focused on the implementation of their five-year strategic plan, highlighting the importance of student achievement and growth, well-rounded educational opportunities, recruiting and retaining high-quality staff, and enhancing community involvement. The Board has prioritized making significant funding investments into much needed facilities improvement including updates to learning space and structural repairs. The Board also started a grant-funded Family Resource Center in 2025 to connect